Our Children’s Children
Tammy and I believe one of the greatest callings of our lives is mentoring and teaching our children and grandchildren. More than any accomplishment, more than any possession, nothing matters more than passing down a living, authentic faith and relationship with Jesus.
I especially love teaching our grandsons what it means to work, to take responsibility, and to grow into men of character.
One day, Roman just eight years old at the time was in class when a student’s desk started to come apart. The teacher sighed, “We’ll have to call the maintenance man.” But Roman stood up and said with confidence, “I’ll fix it.” He lay down on the floor, tightened the screws, and put it back together. The teacher was stunned.
Our family often says, “Roman is a little Eddie Windsor.” He even told someone recently, “When Papa dies, I may need to pastor the church for him.” I never told him that, but somehow it found its way into his heart. Another time, he told his schoolteacher, “Someday I’m going to build my family a home with my own hands.”
Knowingly and unknowingly, our children and grandchildren are following in our footsteps.
Not long ago, I attended my 45-year class reunion. Preparing for it, I pulled out my 1974 school annual. Leafing through the pages, memories flooded back. My high school sports number had always been #22. Now, nearly fifty years later, Roman’s school sports number is also #22.
Coincidence? Some would say so. But in our family, these “coincidences” seem to happen over and over again. And I believe they are reminders from God that the legacy we live out today often shows up in the generations that follow.
That’s why I believe with all my heart: we must show our children and grandchildren what it means to live godly lives. If we don’t, the world will. And if fathers don’t teach their sons how to be men, the world will try to convince them they’re not men at all.
Moses commanded God’s people:
“Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children.” Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (MSG)
But Scripture also gives us a sobering warning:
“After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals.” Judges 2:10–11 (NIV)
One generation failed to pass down the truth, and the next generation sacrificed their children to idols. Today, the idols look different materialism, fame, sexual confusion, and selfish ambition but the same spirit is at work.
Moses warned again:
“In the future, your children will ask you, ‘What is the meaning of these laws and decrees that the Lord our God has commanded us?’ Then you must tell them.” Deuteronomy 6:20–21 (NLT)
Notice the command: “You must tell them.” These conversations are not optional.
And parents don’t whisper when it comes to truth. Too many believers are whispering when we should be boldly declaring what is right and what is wrong.
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
Years ago, a bank manager told me how they train employees to spot counterfeit bills. They don’t spend their time studying the fakes. Instead, they handle real money over and over until they know the genuine article by touch. Then, when a counterfeit comes across their desk, it’s obvious: “That’s not real.”
Parents, if you teach your children who they are in Christ, they won’t fall for the counterfeits the world tries to sell them.
Scripture reminds us that both fathers and mothers are essential:
“My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.” Proverbs 1:8 (NLT)
Fathers often instruct. Mothers often lay down the law. Both are vital and together, they shape the next generation.
The future of our families, our churches, and even our nation depends on this:
Will we pass down a living faith, or will we leave our children vulnerable to the lies of the world?
God’s Word is clear we must be intentional, consistent, and bold. Because one day, our children and grandchildren will ask, “Why do we live this way? What does it mean to follow Christ?” And when they do, we must be ready to tell them the real story.
Because the truth is, they are already watching, already learning, and already walking the road we’ve walked before them.